Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and this is just a fanfic based on other's ideas and hard work.

A/N: I apologize for taking so long on this chapter. I was on vacation and spending time with family was more important than trying to post this chapter. I have also received comments about making chapters longer. I will only write the chapters as I see fit and how they flow with the story. That being said I will attempt to make the chapter close to 3k words as I can. I think that makes the chapters long enough. Thanks for the comments and feedback. Enjoy the story.

"Speaking"

"Thoughts"

Chapter 11

All of the spy information had been gathered and we now find our Panthera clan leaders and Nilu gathered together to discuss everything.

Lord Hyo started the meeting, "Welcome everyone. We have finally compiled all the information from our spys and we have the information we wanted. We have way more than wanted, but we trimmed the information down to what we believed to be necessary. With the help of Lady Yakihyo we took a blood sample that we received from the hospital records of Naruto's father and compared it to the last known clan head. The royal bloodline lives on through Naruto. This confirms his place as the Namakazie clan head. Does anyone have any questions on this?"

"When do we inform Lord Naruto of his heritage?" asked Sessho.

"I think it would be wise for me to compile everything together from this meeting and then we will discuss everything with Naruto later today." Commented Lady Yakihyo.

"That is good," replied Sessho.

Lord Hyo continued, "From everything gathered we have some very interesting information. It would appear that the leader and Naruto's friends did not want him to leave. Her power was usurped from her by three 'elder's' and this civilian side of a council. However, what we have found out is that one of the Elder's named Danzo has been using his abilities to nudge the civilian side to his viewpoint. From his notes some are easier than others, but it would appear that Danzo is essentially controlling them which is giving him the controlling votes where he deems fit."

"From other various notes he has been stealing children from the clans and claiming them to be 'dead' at birth so that he can gain power and he is building an army. On top of that he has always wanted to control Naruto as a weapon, due to the nine-tails, and when he ran out of options for control he opted for 'banishment' and sent a team in an attempt to capture him in a weakened state. Obviously that didn't work out, but he is still looking for him."

"That is very troublesome if you ask me," commented Lady Tora.

All of a sudden, in a different area of the world a certain Nara who was staring at clouds sneezed.

Lord Hyo continued, "We do have some rather interesting news though. I direct this information to Lady Nilu. There is a young girl there that is apparently very fond of our young Lord. She has been bettering herself to gain some form of acceptance in her clan so that 'when' Naruto returns she can be with him and protect him. She sleeps every night with an old jacket of his. From the notes that the spy's made it was quite 'adorable'."

"Apparently his friends are upset at the village as well. They have been shunning their parents for allowing one of their own to be banished and they do know all about the nine-tailed fox. They do not care and actually do see him has a hero. They too have been trying to help out the leader of their village in an attempt to get Naruto to return."

"I believe this covers everything that is of importance since we received the spy's reports last time." Finalized Hyo.

"Speaking of which, Lady Yakihyo, how is Lord Naruto's education coming?" asked Jaga.

"He made a lot of progress during the months prior to us receiving his academic records. Since then I discovered that several teachers sabotaged him until he reached an "Iruka". However, by that time, he was already stunted mentally. I have been working in the basics since then and surprisingly he is like a sponge. Not only has he picked up the basics he should have received, but he has found ways to apply them to his training as well. He is quite remarkable. There is no telling what kind of ninja he would have been if he was on the correct path from the start." She replied.

"Lord Jaga, how has his physical training been going?" asked Sessho.

"Similar to how Lady Yakihyo described his studies, and his physical capabilities are endless. We have corrected his basic taijutsu and we started his family tiajutsu a month ago once we got his academic records. Thanks to Lady Yakihyo we found where he was sabotaged and built up from there. I do finally have a request to ask of this council and specifically you Lord Sessho." Commented Jaga.

"Continue," replied Sessho, however he knew where this was going.

"The Namakazie clan never had a Jinchuriki before. The possibilities are endless with the clan's jutsu's. I want to start on his training on using the fox's chakra and maybe even building a bond with the fox. I would need the lion's and their abilities with ninjutsu and us Jaguar's with our taijutsu skills we should be able to create the ultimate ninja that the Namakazie clan has never seen." Jaga requested.

"As long as the other heads do not object I don't see why not. However, we should talk to Naruto first and make sure that is what he wants. I will not force something like this on him." Commented Sessho.

No one objected to the idea.

It was at this point Nilu got everyone's attention.

"After listening to everything I believe we have a plan for Lord Naruto, but I think as his familiar I have another job to do. I think I should go to this village and talk to their leader and personally present our findings. Not only do we get the leverage needed, but we may be able to help Naruto return there." Said Nilu.

"Excuse me Lady Nilu, but are we sure this is wise. What if Naruto doesn't want to return there?" asked Tora.

"Lady Tora, first things first. I don't know if this is wise or not, however, the Namakazie clan never ran from their problems and I believe Naruto needs to return to HIS village to claim his home back. This would be more of a therapeutic action and making sure he faces his problems instead of running from them. I would like to remind everyone that we have never seen him smile or laugh. This is quite concerning in my opinion. The clan, speaking historically, has always been strict regarding tradition, but it was never an unfriendly clan." She replied.

"With all due respect Lady Nilu, but not running from their problem is exactly what caused the fall of the clan today. Maybe we should run in this case." Commented Jaga.

"I believe not having allies and being a nomadic clan is what caused the fall. Being a part of a village would provide additional protection for the clan. Wouldn't you agree Lady Tora?" Nilu shot back.

"We tiger's failed our job last time because of our arrogance. We will not fail again. Therefore, being a part of a village would be a wise move." Commented Tora.

"We shouldn't be doing any of this without Lord Naruto. This is his life and he should be a part of the decision. Lady Nilu, please retrieve Naruto from the training grounds and let's discuss his heritage and what he wants to do." Commanded Sessho.

Nilu gave a respective bow and left to retrieve Naruto.

Xxxxxxxxxx

In another area we find Naruto in a large arena built within the compound. There were over 50 Naruto's going through various taijutsu exercises being monitored by various Jaguar's.

Over the last half year of training his strength had increased exponentially. His fighting prowess and increased as well with daily spars against different members of the panthera clan and sometimes against multiple combatants. Additionally he had grown some to. Of course that happens when you eat properly especially with Nilu forcing vegetables and fruit down him. Sometimes he just wanted to run again, but he had to admit, it IS nice having 'companions' around.

One thing was for sure. He had found a home. Something he lost a long time ago. And for the first time in a long time he actually felt content (still never smiled or laughed, but content with life).

He was still curious about why he hadn't signed the Panthera contract yet, but so far these animals have treated him more than fairly and he wasn't going to go and question their actions.

He was broken from his concentration when he was called.

"Lord Naruto, the council leaders would like you to come to a meeting." Called Nilu from the side.

Naruto walked over with an eye brow raised, "Lord Naruto?" he asked.

"Well you are the only living clan head that we are aware of and as such the title of clan head goes to you and thus you are 'Lord Naruto'. See commented.

"I have never been one for formalities, could we just call me Naruto?" he requested.

She turned with a smirk on her face and walked away calling of her shoulder a bit jovially, "come Lord Naruto, the council is waiting."

"I guess not," thought Naruto.

Xxxxxxxxxx

As Naruto entered the room the other members of the Panthera clan bowed to him. "Thank you for coming Lord Naruto" said Yakihyo.

"Seriously, I'm not much into formalities. Can we please just use Naruto?" he requested.

There were several small giggles from around the room, "Lord Naruto, as the clan head you should get used to it, but we'll make you a deal. Any of these private meetings we end up having we will use just Naruto is that acceptable?" asked Sessho.

Naruto rolled his eyes in annoyance, "is that the best I'm going to get?" he asked.

Several nods from around the room confirmed that and just sighed and decided to accept it. "Ok, what so important now?"

Lady Tora spoke up next, "Don't get all snippy with us Na-ru-to" she dragged out his name "we finally have all the information we needed to tell you all about yourself and your clan."

Naruto's eyes were wide now in realization what was about to happen. His breathing became erratic and his heart rate increased. This did not go unnoticed.

"Naruto, are you ok?" asked Nilu.

He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths to calm himself. "My apologies, I was not ready for that. I have always wanted to know who I was, where I came from, and who my parents were. Please continue."

Lady Yakihyo spoke up, "let's start with the important information to you. You are the son of Minato Namakazie and Kushina Uzumaki."

"I-I-I'm the son of the fourth Hokage?" he stuttered with eyes a big as plate saucers.

"Yes you are Naruto. Through some records we were able to copy and a sample of blood that is kept in the village you came from we did a blood test and confirmed him as your father."

Naruto lept out of seat and started pacing the floor. "How could this be? Why did they not tell me? Did they not know? What does…"

"NARUTO, calm down" commanded Sessho. "We have several answers, but not all. Please one question at a time."

Naruto took deep breaths again and calmed down, he sat back down and started again. "Did the village know?"

"From what was gathered only a few people knew, the Hokage, a Jiraiya, a Kakashi, and three others known as 'elder's'. To our knowledge no one else knew." Commented Hyo.

"If they knew who I was why didn't they say anything?" he asked.

"That is one of the few answers we don't know. However, you will…." Started Yakihyo but was cut off by Nilu. "Perhaps we should continue with that thought later, please?" It was a stated as a question but the tone was a commandment.

"Naruto, please continue." Commented Jaga.

"What about my mother, what can you tell me?" Naruto asked.

"All we know of your mother is that she comes from the Uzumaki clan. This obviously means you part of two clans, however, we know nothing about the Uzumaki. They were around during the Second Great Ninja War, but we never had any dealings with them and neither did the Namakazie."

"Ok, how did my parents meet?"

Yakihyo continued, "from all accounts your father and mother were both orphans in the village. Your father was an orphan from the beginning, but your mother came to the village later and joined the academy. She apparently was the second host to the Nine-tailed fox."

This information caught Naruto by surprise. "Wait a minute, I just realized. My own father sealed the fox inside of me. Why would he do that?"

"Unfortunately that is another question we cannot answer right now for we do not have the answer." Apologized Yakihyo.

"Please forgive me, but it seems like you don't know much." Naruto spat out.

None of them took offense, they understood. Sessho decided to comment. "It was not easy getting this much information. However, consider this. You now know for a fact that you have parents, who they are, and where you come from."

"Speaking of which, what happened to the Nama…sorry…what happened to my clan?" asked Naruto.

"Perhaps I should take this one," commented Tora, "First let me say that the Namakazie were originally a nomadic clan. We attempted to stay away from the war, however, that didn't work. The tigers are tasked with being the protectors and guards for the Namakazie clan. Toward the end of the Second Great Ninja War we failed to protect the royal line of the Namakazie. They were kidnapped from right under our noses by some ninja forces we didn't recognize. By the time we found the royal family they had been killed and the kidnappers had been killed as well. It was at this point we ASSUME that the baby, your father, was rescued by the Leaf and taken to the village. We assumed the baby was gone forever. By the time we made it back to the clan a majority of the branch families were killed either by the same force that took the clan head or someone else. We don't know for sure either way. With what clan remained we fled the elemental nations and ended up here. However, soon after arriving the remaining clan members caught some disease and without any medical ninja we couldn't help them. Before completely dying out the final few clan members summoned the Lion, Panthers, Jaguars, Leopards, and Snow Leopards to remain behind and protect the clan scrolls and assets. Since then we have remained in this world to watch over everything. All of the Panthera clan separated and took various things to keep the Namakazie assets safe as requested. That is our story until you showed up."

Naruto sat there for a long time in contemplation. "Please forgive my carelessness, but what now? I don't have a clan and I don't know what to do with myself."

Nilu spoke up this time, "First things first, would you be willing to sign the Panthera contract?"

"Naruto got a sad look on his face, "Naruto, what are you thinking right now?" asked Sessho.

"It's not that I'm not grateful, but I don't know if I should sign the contract." He commented.

They were all stunned. "Have we done something that would make you not want to sign our contract?" asked Jaga.

"It's not that, *sigh*, I used to have a contract and it was one of the best gifts I have ever received. However, the contract belonged to my ex-village and when they found out that I was banished they had to remove me from the contract. I don't know if I can do that again."

"Naruto, who was the contract with?" asked Yakihyo.

"The toads." Replied Naruto

Nilu walked up to Naruto and gave him a hug using her large paw to pull him close. "Naruto, as the sole summoning of the Namakazie clan you cannot lose us. We don't only need you, but we want you to be our summoner. We lions are your partners and/or fighters, the tigers are the guards of the family and home, the Leopards are the spy's and assassins, the Jaquars are the physical and fighting trainers, and the Snow Leopards are the educational trainers. We together belong to the Namakazie and by extension we belong to you. By signing the contract it does nothing to change that except allow you to summon the larger fighters and the elders of our clan. You are stuck with us forever now. Signing the contract is honestly just a formality."

Naruto had some tears in his eyes. He was having feelings he thought he locked away. He stood up abruptly and ran out of the room with Nilu following him.

"Well, I guess we can finish this tomorrow" commented Sessho.